GCSE Biology

Cambridge IGCSE Biology – Syllabus code 0970

Key syllabus elements                                                                   

Characteristics and classification of living organisms (5%  of teaching time)

Organisation and maintenance of the organism (50% of teaching time)

Development of the organism and the continuity of life (25% of teaching time)

Relationships of organisms with one another and with their environment (20% of teaching time)

All candidates take three papers.

Candidates who have studied the Core subject content, or who are expected to achieve a grade 3 or below should be entered for Paper 1, Paper 3 and either Paper 5 or Paper 6. These candidates will be eligible for grades 5 to 1, where 5 is the highest grade.

Candidates who have studied the Extended subject content (Core and Supplement), and who are expected to achieve a grade 4 or above should be entered for Paper 2, Paper 4 and either Paper 5 or Paper 6. These candidates will be eligible for grades 9 to 1, where 9 is the highest grade.

We recommend that students who are beginning this course should have previously studied a lower school science curriculum. Students should also have adequate mathematical skills for the content contained in this syllabus.

In addition, it is desirable that students  have:

·         an inquisitive mind with a special interest in the natural world;

·         an enthusiasm for biological studies.

Cambridge IGCSE Certificates are general qualifications that enable students to progress either directly to employment, or to proceed to further qualifications.

Students who are awarded levels 7 to 9 in IGCSE Biology are well prepared to follow courses leading to Cambridge International AS and A Level Biology, or the equivalent.

80% of our GCSE Biology students achieved levels 6-9 in 2021-2022.